Draft-equalizer.



Patented Jan. 30, 1900.

T. J. VANCE. DRAFT EUUALIZER.

Application filed June 12, 1899.)

(No Model.)

fl mum l! Theodore 1 4/702 NITED S'IAES ATENT Fries.

DRAFT-EQUALIZER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 642,512, dated January 30, 1900.

Application filed Tune 12 1899 To (0Z5 whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, THEODORE J. VANCE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Miles City, in the county of Custer and State of Montana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Draft-Equalizers, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in draft-equalizers; and the object of my invention is a means by which the use of apivoted single or double tree is dispensed with.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a draft-equalizer which equalizes the strain upon the beast of burden and also carries a simple means for securing the tugs or traces thereto.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a very simple, durable, and cheap draft-equalizer which is very efficient, useful, and practical.

To attain the desired objects, the invention consists of a draft-equalizer embodying novel features of construction and combination of parts, substantially as disclosed herein.

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a beam used as a doubletree with two of my draft-equalizers attached. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective View of one end of the equalizer, and Fig. 3 is a perspective View of one of the tug or trace fasteners used in connection with my draft-equalizer.

In the drawings, A designates the beam or doubletree,which may be attached to a wagontongue in any manner, either pivotally or rigidly, and adapted to surround said beam at its ends and intermediate of its length are the bands or hoops B,which are arranged in pairs, and journaled in the projections or lugs O are the axles D of the pulleys or rollers E. Adapted to pass under and around and occupy the space between each pair of said rollers is the strap or band F, which may be made of leather or metal, or of both, and pivotally secured in the openings G in the ends of said strap or band are the pins H of the trace or tug fastener J, which consists of the body or plate K, whose sides are bent up, as at L, and near these sides I form the hinges M, which are cut from said body and are turned up and around over the axle N, which is provided Serial No. 720,251. (No model.)

with the arms 0, which are connected to the pin H, and consequently to the strap or band. Out in the body, near one end of the body, is

the lip P, which forms a spring Q, which is adapted to bear against the lug R, formed in the center of said axle N. Depending from said body in same direction as the edges is the lug or pin 14,0ver and around which is adapted to fit the eye of a tug or trace, and it will be seen that the tug or trace can be placed between the edges of said body and when the equalizer is not in use the arms 0 may be moved, so that the trace can be easily applied, but when in use the traces are drawn upon and the arms are forced so that the trace is held firmly in place.

From this description, taken in connection with the drawings,it will be seen that the band moves around the pulleys or rollers, and the motion of the beasts body is thus equalized without losing any motion and without straining the ,beast by sudden jerks, as is the case with single and double trees now in use.

It is evident that I provide a draft-equal= izer which does not necessitate the using of a pivoted single or double tree and also one which can be attached to the rear bar of a shaft, thus producing a simple, durable, and cheap draft-equalizer which is very useful and practical.

I claim- A draft-equalizer, consisting of a beam, bands carrying pulleys or rollers secured to said beam, a band or strap movably connected to said beam, and a trace-connecting device carried at each end of said band or strap, said traceconnectiug device consisting of the plate or body provided with the bent edges,

lips forming band-hinges out out of the body of the plate, a spring cut out of the body of said plate, and a means for connecting theplate to the band or strap journaled in said hinges and being controlled by said hinge.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

THEODORE J. VANCE.

Witnesses:

A. H. SWERDFIGER, M. O. TRACY. 

